Change Management Tip: Showing Gratitude at Work and Why It Works!

Saying “thanks” at work isn’t easy for everyone. Sometimes we can let our beliefs about social norms and diverse cultures get in the way of showing appreciation for that special touch that made the difference, a great idea, commitment to results, etc. There are so many reasons to say and show thanks at work, but for some, it can also feel like there are just as many potential pitfalls to showing gratitude at work.

We’ve heard our clients making statements like, “There are so many wrong ways to say 'thanks,’ that it really is easier for me if I just don’t do it at all,' or 'when I think about what’s at risk, I get discouraged.'” We also hear words and phrases like “favoritism,' 'what if I saw one but missed someone else,' 'what if they always expect it?,' 'I can’t afford it,' 'what if it makes someone uncomfortable,'” etc. It is important to know the value of showing gratitude at work to overcome the obstacles that might be in the way of saying “thanks.”

Saying thank you matters!

The peace symbol design (above) showing the primary benefits of expressing gratitude at work is intentional here. Every employee needs to know that their contributions have value and that their work is meaningful beyond their paycheck. Saying thank you helps people recognize when and how they have brought value to your business. You can make co-workers and staff feel great about what they are contributing by saying thanks in meaningful ways. You will also have a better, more trusting and productive team. When people know you value them, they are more likely to value you in return, and you are better able to work through the messy stuff when others know you value them. This is important, because work gets messy sometimes, especially during change.

There is one more thing — happiness. It has been studied and reported through the ages: People who say "thank you" are happier.

If you want to explore ways of showing gratitude at work, Change Management Communications Center is here to help. Our clients find their own unique style and ways of showing gratitude at work, such as:

• How to say thank you to your boss (or customer) without coming off as being fake or a suck-up
• How to say thank you to a peer, where relationships are less defined
• How to say thank you to employees; the most prescribed “thank you” and incredibly valuable when done right.